Manager, Museums - Kitchener, Canada - Region of Waterloo

Region of Waterloo

Verified Company

Kitchener, Canada

1 week ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

Job Req ID:762
Department:
Waterloo Region Museums and Historic SitesManager, Region of Waterloo Museums

Our Story:

Committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations, the Region of Waterloo is an inclusive, thriving and sustainable region of connected rural and urban communities with global reach. Our mission is to serve, engage and inspire, by delivering quality services to a diverse population of 630,000+, while creating a healthy, collaborative environment of learning, respect and innovation.
This is a place where employees are valued and recognized for their talents and contributions to our success. Our employees take pride in making a difference in people's lives through the work that we do. We are looking for people like you to help make it happen.

The Role

Manages the operation of the Region of Waterloo's museums (Waterloo Region Museum, McDougall Cottage, Schneider Haus, Doon Heritage Village, Waterloo Region Curatorial Centre) including visitor services; program delivery; exhibit development; site preservation and maintenance; and the stewardship and development of the artifact collection.

Duties/Responsibilities
Supervises a Supervisor of Programs, Supervisor of Guest Services, Supervisor of Marketing and Partnerships, Supervisor of Collections and Exhibits, and Historic Sites Supervisors (McDougall Cottage and Schneider Haus). Indirectly supervises additional unionized staff and volunteers.
Manages the development, presentation, and evaluation of programs, events, and guest services.
Manages the museums' exhibition programs. Ensures staff engage community members in exhibit development. Participates on exhibit planning teams.
Manages marketing and public relations activities for the museums. Reviews and approves public communications (e.g., media releases, advertising, materials, social media). Presents as a guest speaker.
Acts as a liaison with and advises the "Friends" organizations of the museums and corporate committees.
Manages research and development related to the collections and historic sites. Manages the museums' artifact collections and buildings. Approves/rejects artifact acquisitions and purchases artifacts. Performs inspections to ensure the museums' buildings are maintained and heritage elements are conserved. Participates on building restoration teams and project teams to advise on architectural details (e.g., furnishings, materials, finishes).
Develops, implements, and maintains plans for the museums. Acts as a resource for capital/construction projects. Collaborates with Facilities to plan and oversee building/landscape maintenance and capital projects (e.g., develops scope of work, writes terms of reference, selects/administers contracts with consultants, ensures mínimal impact of projects on operations).
Negotiates and manages contracts/licensing agreements involving museum staff, buildings, artifacts, and financial donations with potential clients/donors.
Manages the development of emergency planning at the museums and coordinates operations/ resources in the event of an emergency. Reports on the aftermath of same and advises regarding insurance claims.
Ensures corporate/legislated guidelines for public service and building/artifact conservation are integrated into operations (e.g., health and safety, accessibility, customer service).
Develops, administers, and monitors the museums' operating budgets; and the preparation of the 10 year capital forecast. Authorizes cheque/purchase requisitions. Makes reserve fund expenditures.
Establishes annual attendance/revenue targets for the museums; oversees revenue generation; monitors success in achieving targets; and makes/recommends program changes to achieve same.
Exchanges information with HR, Finance, Legal, and Archives. Discusses collection losses/vandalism with Risk Management.
Provides advice to and liaises with other government agencies, museums, museum associations, and archival organizations.
Responds to escalated complaints from the public.
Performs related duties, as required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of the theory and practice of living history/museum operations, including research; collections management/development; artifact/historic building maintenance/conservation; gallery, program, and exhibit development; resource management; and marketing, normally acquired through a Master's degree in museum studies, plus progressively responsible experience in a history museum.
Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, collective agreements, and related legislation (e.g., accessibility, health and safety, privacy).
Knowledge of local history and ability to conduct related research to develop exhibits, plan restorations, prepare publications, and respond to inquiries.
Leadership, negotiation, human relations skills, and political acuity to manage, train, develop, motivate, and support staff; prese